Page 12 of Mate for the Space Cowboy (Match Made in Space #3)

Chapter Twelve

MELODY

When I return home after work, I instantly miss Hunter when I walk inside. It’s disconcerting, but his absence is a physical experience for me. My heart feels as if something is tugging on it. Nadine has explained to me that, because of the infinity pulse bonding us, there will be times I can experience a physical pull toward wherever Hunter is located, even if it’s on the other side of the planet. She has experienced that whenever Kayden travels.

I place my palm above my heart, feeling comforted to miss him and feel that pull. It reminds me of all we share. I pause for a moment and spin in a slow circle. I imagine I will marvel at having a house like this for the rest of my life.

My parents had a small home on Earth, and I’d felt lucky. Just as I had when I got my own apartment after I got my job. It might’ve been dingy and in a crowded building and a single small room, but it had been mine.

The home I share with Hunter here feels beyond luxurious. I like that the people on this planet focus on simplicity. Hunter and I have space for us and the family we will create, and that’s enough. Beyond our bedroom are two other bedrooms for the children I hope will come soon. Our pretty garden feels like almost too much extravagance to enjoy outside.

My little communicator beeps, and I hear Nadine’s voice coming through. “I’ll meet you at your gate and walk with you to the celebration if you’d like.”

I tap the communicator, replying, “Of course! I’m getting changed right now. I’ll see you soon.”

I hurry into our bedroom and quickly take a shower. I love how the sunlight streams through the windows above the shower. Most of us reached a point on Earth where we tried to avoid the sun because it was so hot and dry there. Here, I love that I can enjoy it. The light is softer, and it makes everything sparkle.

I’m refreshed and feel ready for the night after my shower. The dress I selected tonight is a bright blue color that Hunter tells me brings out my eyes. I wish he were here. I know he’ll be home soon, but the ache of missing him is visceral.

Romi stands at my side at the gathering, holding a glass of a fizzy drink they make here. I understand it’s like alcohol, which was extremely rare on Earth. I’m abstaining from anything like that right now, in case I’m pregnant.

She takes a swallow and lets out a happy little sigh. “This stuff is so good.” She smiles at me, her eyes bright. “I’m nervous,” she blurts out.

“You’re nervous?” I’m surprised at this. Romi comes across as bold and confident to me.

She sets her glass down on the table beside us and smooths her hands over the front of her dress. “Yes. I’m kind of a tomboy. I’m not as beautiful as you, Jane, and Nadine.”

I turn to face my friend, reaching for her hands and squeezing them before I release them. “Romi, you’re stunning. To me, you’re like a powerful goddess.”

She is quite a bit taller than me. I look up at her, studying her angled cheekbones, her straight nose with her dark brows, and her glossy dark hair. Romi has a fierceness to her that originally intimidated me, but now I know her to be kind and deeply protective of those she cares about.

Uncertainty flickers in her eyes. “I don’t need to experience the infinity pulse.” She waves a hand dismissively. “I just want to mate with someone. I worry if I don’t find someone soon that I won’t be able to stay here.”

“Romi, Jane assures us that will never happen. You’re going to find someone. According to Jane, it’s going to take years before the population recovers from the women they lost. You’re safe here. You train and care for the flying horses, and I’m still scared to ride one.”

Romi’s smile is warm. “When Hunter’s back, I’ll be there for your first lesson, I promise.”

As I glance around, I notice that multiple men have their eyes on her. I know she will find the right mate.

Nadine approaches, stopping beside us when Kayden steps away to confer with another man about something. “You both look amazing tonight,” she says warmly.

“How’s the baby?” I ask.

Nadine’s lips curl in a soft smile. “Perfect.”

“Are you going to get pregnant again right away?” Romi teases as she nudges Nadine playfully with her elbow.

When Nadine’s cheeks turn pink, Romi’s mouth drops open in faux surprise. “I’m shocked. You and Kayden can’t even keep your eyes off each other, much less your hands,” she teases.

Nadine presses her lips to keep from smiling. “I’m not pregnant again. Yet.” She slides me a look. “And we’re still waiting for you to announce your pregnancy.”

Instinctively, I slide my hand over my belly. Although it feels mostly flat, I could swear it’s slightly rounder. “I hope to find out soon, but I’m waiting.”

“Do you miss Hunter?” Nadine asks.

“So much,” I say earnestly, feeling the words in my heart.